Time: 6:30 - 7:30pm
Labour: Movement or Party? The Relationship Between Civil Society and Electoral PoliticsFor a long time, social movements have been the dominant way of challenging those in power while most political parties have seen their membership and grassroots capacity weakened. How are parties responding to this challenge today? How is the relationship between parties and movements shaping up? How can parties connect with grassroots organizing around Brexit, in trade unions and in environmental campaigns? The election of Jeremy Corbyn as leader of the Labour Party saw a surge in Labour membership and a promise of a different politics. What does that mean for the relationship between party leadership, Parliamentary Labour Party and the members? Join us for a discussion of these questions with politicians and activists engaged in bridging the gap between parties and movements.Speakers:Claire Moody (MEP)Laura Parker (Momentum)Owen Espley (War on Want)Simon Tormey (University of Sydney)Chair: Marina Prentoulis (UEA)The event is funded by the Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences (IHSS) at Queen Mary University of London. Organisers: Marina Prentoulis (UEA) and Lasse Thomassen (Queen Mary).Entry is free and open to the public (though booking is essential) and you are welcome to join us for a drinks reception afterwards. To book your ticket, visit Eventbrite.